European Commission - PRESS RELEASES - Press release - European Capitals of Culture 2011 : Turku and Tallinn approved by the selection panel Brussels, 13 June 2007 European Capitals of Culture 2011 : Turku and Tallinn approved by the selection panel After hearing the presentations made by the two cities applying to be designated European Capitals of Culture for 2011 on 4 June, the European selection panel [1] today publishes its report, recommending that Turku (Finland) and Tallinn (Estonia) be approved. The decision will be taken by the Council for Culture, probably in the second half of 2007, under the Portuguese Presidency. Ján Figel’, the Member of the European Commission for Education, Culture and Youth declared : « I am delighted that Turku and Tallinn have already started preparations to become successful European Capitals of Culture in 2011 ". Sir Robert Scott, the chairman of the panel, stressed that preparing an application triggered a phase of intensive work which had to continue until the start of the year concerned and had to involve all levels of political responsibility in the Member States in question.

The city of Turku has built its programme for 2011 around the theme "Turku on fire". This refers to the many fires which ravaged the city over the course of its history and, most importantly, to its intensive creative and artistic activity. The Estonian capital, Tallinn, highlighted its desire to create cultural centres to drive urban development. It is keen to show that a fairly small city can, with a vibrant cultural life, take up the challenge of being designated a European Capital of Culture. The two cities have now announced that they will cooperate actively in preparing and conducting their programmes, especially as they are so close geographically.. In 2012, the European Capitals of Culture will be from Portugal and Slovenia.

For more detailed information and the full report of the selection panel, please consult: European Capitals of Culture: Tallinn and Turku | News | European Parliament European Capitals of Culture: Tallinn and Turku Others Article - Culture − 10-01-2011 - 14:27 Tallinn and Turku set to host a year of cultural events Both cities hoping that year will raise profile and bring economic development Tallinn and Turku are the two European Capital of Culture for 2011. © AND .../sirkku The European Capitals of Culture in 2011 have a Baltic flavour including as they do Estonia's main city Tallinn and Turku in Finland. The two will host a series of cultural events throughout the year. As well as bringing investment and tourism, the aim of the year is to raise the profile of the cities involved. Tallinn - meeting point of east, west, north and central Europe Tallinn is the capital of Estonia, which joined the euro on 1 January, making it easier for the many visitors to spend their currency in the shops and restaurants.

The city of 411, 000 is believed to take its name from the word for "Danish house/castle". A host of cultural activities will be happening in Tallinn every day, including a Bobby McFerrin jazz concert, the Monte Carlo Ballet, painting and photo exhibitions, the first world championship in fire sculpture and youth fashion week. Estonian liberal MEP Siiri Oviir who hails from the city noted that "Tallinn is Historical medieval Hanseatic city, a multicultural city where Western and Eastern culture meet". She went on to say that "I hope that more people want to visit Tallinn/Estonia and of course European cultural capital project gives new impulse". Turku - a combination of old and new Spread around the mouth of the River Aura, the official Christmas city of Finland is well-known for its historical architecture, famous boat restaurants and vibrant academic environment. Turku and its 177,000 inhabitants will celebrate its year as capital of culture with a three-day weekend full of activities that will "bring fire and love above River Aura".

Among key events during the year is a performance by Rajaton a cappella group, "Bridge of Sounds" concerts, Finnish-Japanese modern dance evening. There will also be Logomo exhibitions and various opera and jazz performances. Speaking about Turku, Finnish MEP Ville Itälä (EPP) noted that "Turku is an historical city surrounded with beautiful nature. With its long history and important location, Turku once was the capital of Finland and an important crossing between east and west. Today's Turku offers an interesting selection of museums and cultural events." The European capital of culture was launched in 1985 by Greek Culture Minister Melina Mercouri and so far more than 40 cities have taken on the mantle. REF. : 20110110STO11392 Turku, city of culture 2011 | Books from Finland Turku, city of culture 2011 21 January 2011 | In the news Passing the peace: citizens of Turku gathering to listen to the traditional declaration of peace at Christmas in front of the Cathedral.

Photo: Esko Keski-oja Since 1985, cities in the countries of the European Union have been chosen as European Capitals of Culture each year. More than 40 cities have been designated so far; a city is not chosen only for what it is but, more importantly, what it plans to do for year and also for what will remain after the year is over – the intention is that citizens and the local culture should profit from the investments made. This year the two cities are Tallinn in Estonia and Turku, the oldest city and briefly (1809–1812) the capital of what was then the Grand Duchy of Finland, on the coast, 160 kilometres west of Helsinki. The pair will also co-operate in making this year a special one in their cultural lives. The city of Turku declared its Cultural Capital year open on 15 January with a massive firework display glittering over the River Aura. This cultural capital enterprise, with a budget of 50 million euros and an ambitious programme will, hopefully, involve two million participants in the five thousand cultural events and occasions.

﻿ Tags: cultural events Explore more… Finland and the Baltic States Follow DL on Finland and the Baltic States What advice/information do DLers have about Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania? I'm planning a trip there this summer, and I'd like to hear your perceptions and experiences. by Anonymous 09/12/2011 Spent a couple of days in Helsinki about 15 years ago. Hottest summer they'd had in many years. Glorious sunshine that lasted well into the evening. Flowers everywhere. Took the hydrofoil over to Tallinn Estonia one day for an excursion. Neat old city. Next morning, took the Sibelius train from Helsinki to St. Petersburg. Electric train on the Finnish road, then at the border we changed engines and got a huge old Soviet diesel. Pulled into the Finland Station in Saint Petersburg, the same station that received Lenin when the Germans shipped him there to get Russia out of WWI. Nice trip, you'll enjoying seeing the eastern Baltic. by Anonymous reply 1 01/22/2011 Only familiar with Finland and Helsinki. Helsinki is one of the great cities cities of the world. I love the place.

by Anonymous All I can say is thank god you're going in summer. by Anonymous reply 3 01/22/2011 I can only vouch for Finland. Helsinki is lovely but is relatively small compared to most European capitals. You can pretty much cover everything of interest in a single day. by Anonymous Finland is the world capital of modern architecture. Check out Aalto University.%0D by Anonymous I'm curious to see Riga's architecture. by Anonymous reply 7 01/22/2011 I've been to Helsinki several times and I don't find Fins to be anything but quite beautiful people. They aren't into glamor due to most of the population being quite attractive. White Russian and Scandinavian stock is the typical Fin. by Anonymous [quote]Helsinki is one of the great cities cities of the world. Well, that's an unusual opinion. by Anonymous reply 9 01/22/2011 If you like blond twinks, you'll be in heaven. And they tend to like mich older men.

by Anonymous reply 10 01/22/2011 I'm in my 20's, R10, so I'm not so sure that would work out well for me - LOL. by Anonymous I hope we get invaded by some of those hot German soldiers again by Anonymous Finns have a higher level of physical fitness than any other nation in the world. by Anonymous reply 13 01/22/2011 If the photos on the European escort sights are anywhere near accurate, Estonians and Latvians are the most attractive people on the planet. by Anonymous reply 14 01/22/2011 WHen you're in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, refer to them as "Scandanavians" and they'll love you (they are under the illusion that they are). by Anonymous reply 15 01/22/2011 Helsinki is a nice city but it is small. I'm from NYC, so I am used to a city with lots of different kinds of neighborhoods, lots of places to go. Helsinki isn't like that. But it's a lot cleaner and better organized than NYC.

I went there in the days of the USSR. Senate Square in Helsinki was often used as a stand in for Leningrad in films, so it was very familiar-looking. I am still blown away by the size of the ferries in the Nordic countries. by Anonymous reply 16 01/22/2011 R14, which sites? I checked GayRomeo, which is supposed to be the largest int'l site, and they only had 1 guy (a skinny twink) for each of those countries. by Anonymous reply 17 01/23/2011 Check London sites, that's where I found them last time I looked. I found some site that reviewed London escorts and the reviews linked to the agencies and the photos. Sorry, I've lost the link and can't find it. by Anonymous To address R20's question, Latvia is very homophobic. by Anonymous reply 22 01/23/2011 Took the train from St. Petersburg to Tallinn and stayed there a few days. The old town of Tallinn is walled and is pretty and full of old historic buildings.

We also visited an outdoor folk "living" museum a busride from the city that preserves the old ways. We took the boat across to Helsinki but were only there a day and took a boat ride around the harbor. It was interesting to see little summer cottages on all the little islands. The white nights were a little weird at first, but it was kind of cool to watch the sun go down at about 2:00 in the morning and then see it rise again 15 minutes later. by Anonymous reply 23 01/23/2011 This is off topic, but it tickles me that my little state of Wisconsin equals the country of Finland in GDP. by Anonymous 01/23/2011 yawn! If you are going that far, why don't you include St Petersburg , there is so much more culture, history, architecture in that city. the Hermitage museum (Winter Palace) the Summer Palace, Catherine the Great's Palace ( Tsarskoye Selo) all the beautiful buildings and palace's that line the city streets the canals and bridges, it really is a breath taking city.

And if you are going in summer they have a fantastic 'White Nights" festival where it is daylight for 22 hours and twilight for 2 hours. by Anonymous reply 25 01/23/2011 Recently a very beautiful Iraq veteran told me that the Finns are the best marksmen in the world. by Anonymous reply 26 01/23/2011 Love the Baltics. Finland is wonderful, Estonia and Latvia are pretty nice...so many Russians! Lithuania was absolutely beautiful...including tall blonds and cheap amber; see Vilnius and the coastal sunsets. Prices were good and ferries cheap. History amazing. Only homophobia experienced was in Latvia..just drunk Russians. by Anonymous Luminous lycra is big in Lithuania. by Anonymous reply 31 01/23/2011 [quote]This is off topic, but it tickles me that my little state of Wisconsin equals the country of Finland in GDP. Your little state of Wisconsin also has about half million people more than Finland...

by Anonymous reply 32 01/23/2011 Love Finland%0D %0D Eat lots of fish and summer berries. Go to the market on the harbour in Hesinki Go to the modern art museum - Kiasma.%0D %0D If you can rent a lakeside cottage (known as summer cottages in Finland, probably one in three familis have one) do it! Sit in the sauna, swim in fresh lakes, drink cold beer and pick up hot Scandy men. They can be a little on the shy side but they are very hot once they get going. by Anonymous [quote]Luminous lycra is big in Lithuania. Is that what they say to cure stutters there? by Anonymous reply 34 01/23/2011 Thanks for sharing, guys - I had no idea that Turku was a European Capital of Culture this year, among other interesting information. by Anonymous reply 35 01/23/2011 I was in Riga for a weekend once a few years ago. It was a beautiful old city. I'd love to go back.

by Anonymous 01/23/2011 I found these places nice, small, boring, but nice. I wouldn't spend more than a day or two in each place unless you have a very specific place in mind that you want to visit. While vacationing there, most tour guides pointed out that much of the "big" cities burned down over and over again due to wooden fireplace flues. Therefore, most of what you see before you is not original and has been rebuilt. by Anonymous reply 37 01/23/2011 Helsinki is nice and has nice architecture. And Finnish men are the most beautiful in the world in my opinion. The bit I saw of gay life there was horrible however--closeted, repressed and depressed. by Anonymous Sauna is apparently a vital part of being finnish. by Anonymous reply 39 01/23/2011 I thought Finland was rather progressive, though... Why would there still be so many closeted men, R38? by Anonymous reply 40 01/23/2011 Helsinki is a planned city anyway, not an "organic" one.

The old capital of Finland was Turku, but let's be serious, city life was always the Swedish-Baltic German element, not the Finns.%0D by Anonymous reply 41 01/23/2011 Tallinn is very pretty, at least the old part of town. There are a group of high school / college students that do bike tours, who have a stand setup in the middle of town. Try it out! I had a stoner 17yo lead my troupe around. We saw a lot of stuff we would never have seen otherwise and learned some history. Also, there is an AMAZING art gallery there, the Kumu. The permanent collection of Estonian art is incredible. The country went through so much pain, that frankly the art they produced really benefitted. I took a bike for the day to go to the Kumu, there's some cool Soviet war memorials nearby. Riga is not quite as exciting. Way more British tourists out there for hen and stag parties. I invited the girl working at the hostel there to come to the gay bar with us and she was offended and homophobic. However, there was at least one gorgeous boy there dancing in soccer shorts.

There's a nice little day trip there where u can see a castle on a hillside, with a gondola leading to it. Vilnius is cool, a bit wilder feeling. It all gets more sketchy the farther south you go out of the 3 countries I think. There are cool Soviet-era worker sculptures on the bridge. Some prostitutes and scummy types around, at least on the way from the bus station to the old town. There is an interesting castle nearby where they've filmed lots of period movies on the cheap. You may want to look into couchsurfing.com to meet some friendly locals to meet up with. by Anonymous reply 42 01/23/2011 I'm of Latvian heritage (my late dad was Latvian-born) and I have travelled to Latvia, particularly Riga and Liepaja. First off, ignore the person who said if you refer to Latvians, Lithuanians and Estonians as Scandinavians, they'll be happy. That's a bunch of bullshit (I still have quite a bit of family in Riga). They know they're Baltics and that's that.

Secondly, Riga is not only a beautiful, picturesque European city (reminds everyone who's been there of Prague) but it's filled with young people and has a very active nightlife (and culture). The ballet/opera/museums there are first-rate. The food--well, if you like salmon, you should be in heaven. The language spoken in Riga is Lettish followed by Russian. HOWEVER, most (particularly the young) speak English there so you shouldn't have a problem conversing with most people there. Now, if you go to Liepaja (I don't know why you would--it's not nearly as well preserved as the showcase city Riga), the main language there is German. I remember going to a movie theater there and being spoken to by the usher and manager in German. Because I do have a strong familiarity with German, I was quite pleased I understood them and could respond in the language. (Also, if you turn on TV in Liepaja, you'll see E! in German and lots of German-language shows). Now Finland is filled with beautiful fair men--seriously, the most beautiful fair men I've ever seen.

And what's funny about Finland is that in the spring/early summer, it's still light out when it's midnight. by Anonymous reply 43 01/23/2011 Also, when I was in Riga, it was pretty cheap--at least compared with other major European cities. by Anonymous reply 44 01/23/2011 The people of Wisconsin may be slightly more numerous than the Finns, but I'll bet in total, they weigh double what the Finns do! by Anonymous Why are they always leaving out Lithuania, the most important Baltic state!? by Anonymous reply 59 09/12/2011 Because there are no jobs in Lithuania, and there are some in the UK. Majority of the population in Latvia and Estonia are native Russians, over 60%.%0D If one does not like drunk Russiand, he should see drunk Finns and compare. They are really competitive. by Anonymous reply 60 09/12/2011 The majority of the populations of Estonia and Latvia are not Russians.

Russians or other ex-USSR nationalities form a sizeable minority in both - particularly in the cities. I was in Lithuania recently and visited Kaunas and Vilnius. Nice enough locations for a day visit but probably not for an extended stay. The country seemed strangely quiet and deserted. In short, Lithuanians are quite reserved, not boisterous or exuberant in any way. Slim - you won't see many fatties anywhere. The national (only) sport is basketball and the national dish seems to be pizza. Prices are mostly on a par with the rest of Europe. Train travel is very cheap, but slow. Hotels are a little cheaper than the European average and it is still possible to eat out for less than $10 a head. by Anonymous That's why the US and Finland have bug screens and Germany doesn't. by Anonymous reply 64 09/12/2011 All I can say is, I was very happy during my stay in Helsinki. I love that city, I just wish it weren't so expensive. In all fairness, my stays have always been in early summer, I haven't experienced their winter weather. I was amazed at the close proximity of St.

Petersburg, Russia. It's only 240 miles by car. by Anonymous reply 65 09/12/2011 That's true everywhere in Eastern Europe R41. Cities were the Germans, the countryside were the native Swedes, Finns, Russians, Ukrainians, Poles, Hungarians, Czechs, Slovaks, Serbs, Bosnians, you name it. I think Buda-pesht did not become a Hungarian majority until 1920. And it's not true only of Europe. In Thailand, Bangkok was founded and settled by the Chinese. Thais lived in the countryside, long after it became the national capital.%0D by Anonymous European Cities of Culture 2011 | EF Tours Travel Blog | The Equator Paul from EF Tuesday 8 Feb, 2011 European Cities of Culture 2011 Share: Google I was in the car this morning when a thought popped into my head, “what is the European city of culture for 2011?” I didn’t know. Almost a month into the New Year and I didn’t know.

Avoiding the urge to pull over and just ask random strangers I decided to forget all about it until now. I checked online (online knows everything) and I discover that we now get two European cities of culture each year. Cities are chosen on various criteria and, after dealing with the obvious in the early years (Athens, Florence, Paris) it has become a chance for the lesser lights of Europe to showcase their local and national style. This year the, some say, prestigious award goes to Turku (Finland) and Tallinn (Estonia). I have been to Tallinn many times as it used to be a regular stop on a Scandinavia tour Go Ahead offered a few years back. I always liked Tallinn, Hanseatic past and oodles of charm. I have a fond memory of standing in the main square when a guy sidled up to me. Definitely sidled. Anyway, he asked if I wanted to buy a Soviet computer. Intriguing question and he obviously saw me as one for purchasing worthless tat. I asked what it was and he opened his carrier bag, inside was a very old rusty typewriter.

Things kind of went downhill conversation-wise after that, I wasn’t interested in lugging this relic back home. Still, a pleasant memory. On another visit I remember the local guide taking me on a tram ride to a neighborhood on the outskirts of Tallinn, such a change from the color and quaint of the main city centre. I was able to get quite a different feel for the place and where it was headed in just a few short hours, something that doesn’t happen too often. I like Tallinn, it has charm, it has evolved at a frightening pace in the last two decades, much of it arguably not for the better, but it will do a great job and I think Europeans will do well to learn more of Estonian culture. Turku is, possibly, what the European City of Culture is all about. Ask most Europeans and they couldn’t place it on a map. Honestly, I would have struggled to place it on a map of the greater Turku region.

In a beautifully Finnish sort of way, a look at the official website for the city shows us that the first link on events for 2011 is called “ Death and its many Faces .” Not sure what the brief was, but I thought European City of Culture was meant to be all happy faces and plinky music during a light show. Elsewhere, it is interesting to learn more of how a relatively small city (population 176,000) deals with the modern issues of how to reduce traffic, environmental problems, balancing trade and entertainment, immigration and being a small part of the greater European project. Before I got in the car this morning I had never in my life thought, “well, the obvious answer is go to Turku” but now I am more inclined. So it’s all eyes on Finland and Estonia for the rest of the year, I am looking forward to it. (Editor’s note: Add Paul on Google+ If you have a question about for EF Tour Director Paul Mattesini, or an idea for a blog post topic, you can email Paul here, and he will answer readers’ questions in future blog posts.) Do you have thoughts, questions, or ideas you'd like to share?

Feel free to email us at equator@ef.com . Ovi Magazine : The European culture capitals that should awake and unite by Thanos Kalamidas Print - Comment - Send to a Friend - More from this Author The cities of Turku (Finland) and Tallinn (Estonia) have been honoured by the European Commission with the title of European culture capital 2011. During this period the two cities will organize a series of cultural events with a strong European dimension, and by contemporary definition use it as an opportunity to generate considerable cultural, social and economic benefits to the cities, as well as change the cities’ image and profile on an international scale. The whole idea was formed by the late Melina Mercury in 1985, then Greece’s Culture Minister and an internationally known and awarded former actress, in cooperation with her French Culture Minister counterpart Jack Lang. It all started the very same year, with Athens as the first European culture capital aiming to bring the Europeans closer together, highlighting the richness and diversity of the European cultures and raising awareness of their common history, values and common paths.

I had the chance to know them both personally, and after having worked with Melina – you would never dare call her with her title or her surname, working with her was literal, you would never work FOR Melina – I know that they both shared an enormous love for culture, for Europe and that they meant every single word when they acted on their dream. Most of the time Melina knew that the main contribution Greece was and is offering the European Unity is history and culture; it is the place where European arts and social structure, as we know it today, started. To honour this, the European leaders decided that Athens was to be the first European culture capital, marking the seriousness of the event with her name. I have the feeling that until the mid 1990s the European cities chosen to become culture capitals have honoured the dream, transforming themselves into centres of European culture. They have not only promoted the European common roots and diversities, promoted the common values, historic and social paths, but they have also adapted to contemporary changes and through cultural tolerance they have found ways to orientate solutions.

In the beginning social issues didn’t carry the necessary weight we need now, but as the Commission report says “Social objectives were not the highest priority for most European culture capitals, yet almost all included projects with social objectives. The different priority given to these objectives partly reflected the different needs of the host cities, although many European culture capitals displayed good intentions and rhetoric of social development. All European culture capitals mentioned growing audiences for culture in the city or region as an objective (“access development”). A broad definition of culture used by most European culture capitals contributed to this attempt to offer ‘something for everybody’. All European culture capitals ran projects for children; other frequent initiatives included cheap or free tickets, open air events and events in public spaces. Many European culture capitals also ran projects to create cultural opportunities for social groups outside the mainstream city culture (“cultural inclusion”). Initiatives were most frequently aimed at young people, ethnic minorities and disabled people. A small number of European culture capitals structured their programme around those objectives. Fewer European culture capitals ran projects to achieve purely social goals (“cultural instrumentalism”).

The most common initiatives were training programmes for groups in the city or region.” However, in most cases the impact of the European culture capital was limited to a short term impact like new buildings, city changes (traffic etc.), visitor impacts, new organisations and projects, instead of hard impacts that would excuse the fundamental aims. Actually most of them turned into an opportunity to attract tourism, and sadly in doing so with European funds it sometimes limited the culture events that should be the centre of the whole concept. This often excluded contemporary elements of European culture like immigrants and their influence on modern European art and culture, contemporary forms of expression and limiting everything to what …it sells, keeping the spirit of European diversity and European values drown into circumstantial profit. As a result the European culture capital concept for most of the cities had a very short term impact (cultural, social and financial) and left them without any hard legacy. Actually negative legacies were reported by some cities, including political arguments and adverse effects on future cultural spending.

According to the European Commission report the key for success is the extent of local involvement, the need for partnerships with all social elements including immigrants, the importance of planning, the need for political independence and artistic autonomy, the requirement for clear objectives, the value of strong content in the programme, and the need for sufficient resources, strong leadership and political will despite political agendas. The next few months will show if Turku and Tallinn have the will to make the difference in a very worrying era with the European recession taking a harder turn, with art and culture the first to pay and xenophobia becoming a serious national problem in all the European countries. When Melina and Jack Lang talked about diversity of the European cultures and awareness of their common democratic values, this is what they had in mind. Let’s see what the contemporaries have in their mind, especially in two countries where xenophobic political parties have become strong partners in the state’s governing.

************************************* Top 10 Destinations for 2011 - hostelbookers Top 10 Destinations for 2011 Top 10 Destinations for 2011 capital of culture , chernobyl , machu picchu , sporting events , top destinations , travel 2011 With our 2010 holidays behind us, it’s on to the hotly-tipped travel trends for 2011! If you are looking for inspiration about where to travel in 2011, take a look at our top ten destinations. The two winning Capital of Culture 2011 cities have been announced, so expect an exciting programme of art, music and dance during your trip. The United Nations have named 2011 as the International Year of Forests so we take a look at places at the fore of sustainable development. There’s plenty of World Cup and Olympic Games preparation underway around the world and many cities have some exciting regeneration projects on the go too. Happy travels! Tallinn Estonia Named Capital of Culture 2011 Tallinn will be a hub of exciting goings-on this year.

It has aroused plenty of interest over the past few year as good value destination serviced by budget airlines. But its shiny new title as Capital of Culture should really be the deal-clincher for booking your trip to Tallinn. The Estonian capital is a picturesque red-roofed, coastal city and Tallinn old town makes for lovely idle wandering. Watch out for upcoming Capital of Culture events including a rooftop cinema, Kumu Museum exhibitions, the Song Festival Grounds and (drum roll please) the Fire Sculpture World Championships. Book a Tallinn hostel . New York City USA Officials have announced that the memorial ground at ground zero will be open in time for the 10th anniversary of the terrorist bombings. The eight-acre site where the twin towers once stood has been developed into a landscaped plaza complete with waterfalls, over 400 trees and a parapet wall inscribed with the names of those killed in both the 2001 and 1993 attacks. The $610 million memorial plaza will open to the public in September 2011 and for those planning to visit New York City in 2011, the plaza and green space will be a touching and sobering experience.

Book New York City hostels for your trip. London UK The love-birds are tying the knot in 2011. And not just any old love-birds, they’re bloomin’ British royalty! Dashing Prince William and Kate Middleton are to be wed at Westminster Abbey in London on Friday 29th April 2011 which coincides with the feast of St Catherine of Siena. With the happy couple’s promise of “a classic British occasion”, already the number of booked flights to the UK have rocketed. People all over the world are keen to join in the ceremonious fanfare of waving union jacks and watching the procession and the British royal wedding will be a public holiday. London will also be scrubbing up for the 2012 Olympic Games. If you need a cheap London hotel or hostel , there are plenty available in the city centre. Check out our snazzy new video guide to London and discover some hidden gems. Alternatively, for the best afternoon tea and traditional English pubs, why not read London: How to be English . Turku Finland Once the capital of Finland Turku is in the limelight once more as the European Capital of Culture 2011.

The city lies at the mouth of the Aura river and although Turku airport is a few miles from the centre, the Stockholm to Turku ferry is a picturesque journey through the Archipelago. Floating bars and restaurants are bustling in summer and Turku University is the oldest in Finland. It is home to a number of music festivals including the Turku Music Festival, Ruisrock and Down by the Laituri, Northern Europe’s largest electronic festival. Head to Logomo , a former engineering workshop in the heart of the old industrial shipbuilding area for major concerts and exhibitions as part of the European Capital of Culture events programme. Monteverde Costa Rica The United Nations has declared 2011 the International Year of Forests. The aim is to help raise awareness and strengthen sustainable forest management as well as conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests. Monteverde is pitched as something of a model for ecotourism with large parts of the rainforest saved from cattle and coffee farm developers. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve is a vivid example of the biological diversity that forests can sustain. Over 369 different bird species were recorded here within a 24-hour period by the Audubon Society.

Find Monteverde hostels close to the Cloud Forest Preserve. For more information, check out our Eco Travel Guide. Rio de Janeiro Brazil The city is undergoing some serious development for both the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics. Plus it is holding the magnificent Rock in Rio Concert in September. In Rio, rich and poor live side by side and the crime-ridden slums are notorious around the world. But with major events on the horizon, billions are being invested into the remodelling of the favelas, a project called Morar Carioca, “Rio Living”. Visitors to Rio de Janeiro in 2011 will not only be able to enjoy the famous beaches, the seductive Rio nightlife and the glorious views, they will be visiting during a period of exciting regeneration. We have a great guide to help you find budget Accommodation in Rio de Janeiro with Rio hostels near the beach or in the exciting Lapa neighbourhood. Mauritius A popular choice for swooning honeymooners willing to splash the cash, according to Fast Track, travellers have been rating Mauritius as a good value destination. Yes, the flights are pricey, but your day-to-day allowance is minimal.

There is an increasing amount of cheap accommodation in Mauritius. Travellers can book private rooms from as little as €8 per night. Many people who visit Mauritius are looking for a little slice of Paradise, but with delicious Chinese, Indian and French cuisine, welcoming and friendly locals and stunning virgin rainforests, Mauritius has so much more than white sandy beaches. An added bonus, if you’re looking for front row seats to the total eclipse due on 15th June 2011, Mauritius promises a prime view of the entire event due to its location almost directly beneath the moon around that time of year. Believe it or not you can find cheap accommodation in Mauritius . Wellington New Zealand Hosting the Rugby World Cup 2011 New Zealand will be top of the list for rugby fans. Cities hosting matches include Auckland and Christchurch but Wellington boasts a waterside stadium! It’s also the culinary capital, close to Wairarapa’s gourmet wine region and the gateway to the South Island should you wish to venture further afield. Learn about Maori culture at the Te Papa Museum and take the cable car up to the Botanic Gardens.

With Peter Jackson’s new two-part Hobbit film due for release in 2011 and 2012, New Zealand gets ready for another round of tourists flocking to glimpse the awe-inspiring landscape that appears in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. If you need hostels Wellington offers cheap accommodation and if you need help planning your trip, be sure to read New Zealand: North v South Island. Machu Picchu Peru 2011 marks the 100th anniversary of the first ever foreigner to reach Machu Picchu. Hiram Bingham travelled to the site in 1911 where he made public the forgotten citadel. Recently the area has suffered from heavy flooding and the ancient site was closed for two months. Now, ambitious redevelopment projects have been implemented to enhance the visitor experience. Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, is the nearest town and as an important setting-off point, public spaces and facades are due to be given a facelift.

Other upcoming events near Machu Picchu 2011 include an International Seminary on orchids – there are over 200 varieties of the flower in the region – a five-day celebration in July with a flight of the condor, festive lights and much more. To put together your own Peru itinerary, check out How to Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and stay at Cusco hostels , a great base for exploring the Inca sites. Chernobyl Ukraine New for 2011, the Ukraine has recently announced that it intends to offer official tours of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear accident site. Costing between €150 and €300 the Chernobylinterinform Agency, an authorised state enterprise, will host chaperoned tours of the area which has been largely closed to the world since 1986 when Chernobyl’s Reactor No. 4 exploded. It is still very much a ghost town with the famous Pripyat Fairground and the large Ferris wheel out of action. Nature has very much taken hold of the Exclusion Zone, now a designated lush and verdant wildlife sanctuary, one of the largest in Europe.

Tours of Chernobyl town will run from Kiev but officials say that travellers should be aware that illegal tours are also in operation. It is important for anyone with an interest in the tour should make arrangements through the Chernobylinterinform Agency . Book our top-rated Kiev hostels . Like this? Related posts:

Question: What do the cities of Turku in Finland and Tallinn in Estonia have in common in 2011?
Answer: European Capitals of Culture